Face recognition is a widely accepted biometric technology and have been typically used primarily for government applications, however, it is increasingly gaining prominence in the commercial applications. Recent research and development (R&D) efforts have resulted in considerable improvements in technology. Advanced 3D facial recognition, and facial analytics are addressing the limitations of 2D recognition. Although 3D facial recognition offers greater accuracy, it is expected to be costlier than 2D recognition.
Facial recognition is one of the lesser intrusive biometric technologies available today as images can be acquired without close physical contact to a machine readable technology. This is a competitive advantage compared to alternative biometric technologies and is stimulating its adoption. However, facial recognition technology is still not highly accurate at this stage, and, thus, is usually used as a part of a multimodal solution to enhance the authentication certainty of an individual. Moreover, concerns over its accuracy in poor lighting conditions and in scenarios where the image of the subject is non-frontal have been limiting its adoption. Leading players such as NEC, 3M, Cognitec, Morpho, Daon, and others are working towards developing a high accuracy solution.
Increasingly, deployment of face recognition biometrics for surveillance purpose seem to be a viable deterrent for identifying terrorists and criminals without imposing on individuals’ privacy in public places. In addition, implementation of face biometrics for machine- readable travel documents (MRDs) such as biometric passports and visas has resulted in wider acceptance of face recognition technologies.
Apart from government and border security applications, face recognition has proven to be quite helpful in hospitality, leisure, and gaming industries. Casino employees are enrolled into biometric access systems with fingerprints, IDs, and other details. This allows management to trace all transactions and access to vaults and other secure areas. Face recognition identifies the troublesome customers and alerts management. Managing a large number of employees in hotels and on cruise ships and resorts, such as housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, chefs, cooks, bartenders and supervisors is challenging. Access cards are often used but can be lost, stolen, and misused. Biometric identity systems ensure authorized personnel alone access restricted locations.
Facial recognition is also highly beneficial and convenient for mobile biometrics. A selfie clicked by the user with the front camera enables authentication. Combining two or more technologies adds an extra layer of security. In healthcare, the strong need for non-contact solutions for hygienic reasons, along with the increase in accuracy levels of face recognition technology, are contributing to growth of the technology adoption.
Although improvements in technology augur well for its adoption, the lack of knowledge and fear over loss of privacy inhibit the growth of biometrics. Moreover, customers are unsure about the reliability and security of stored data. The aforementioned factors are major challenges limiting the level of adoption of facial recognition across several applications.
High security concerns across the globe amidst of the increased terroristic activities will continue the growth momentum for face recognition technology. Improved technology, analytics, cloud based solutions, applications for drones and mobile security will create immense opportunities for the face biometrics.
